Cast Iron Care Tips

CAST IRON CARE TIPS

Troop 58 often uses cast iron cook ware like Dutch ovens and griddles during our outings and scouts are often tasked with cleaning (and returning) them.  If you’re not familiar with cast iron care please take a look below. 

****You may borrow our Dutch oven to try out new recipes by asking our quartermaster.****

Cleaning Tips

1.     Wash cast iron by hand with water only, NO SOAP, use a scotch bright pad or nylon bristle scrub brush. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on bits. For extra sticky situations, simmer a little water for 1 minute, then use the scraper after cooled. 

2.     Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

3.     When clean. Warm on the stove top or in the oven and RUB with a very light layer of cooking oil while the cookware is still warm.  Use tongs with an oil saturated paper towel to avoid burns.

4.     Store cookware in a dry place like back in the troop garage. 

IF RUSTY -  

OR if you have used soap ....you will need to re-season the cookware. 

Seasoning Tips

·         Seasoning is simply oil baked onto the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish.

·         Any food-safe cooking oil/shortening will work for maintaining your cookware. We recommend vegetable oil or canola oil.

·         The best way to maintain the seasoning on your cast iron is simply to use it! Cooking in it regularly using any kind of cooking oil is a great way to keep your pan looking and performing well.

·         If your pan becomes dull, gray, splotchy, or gets rusty, it could probably benefit from being re-seasoned. Just follow these easy steps:  

1.     Wash the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. (It is okay to use soap this time because you are preparing to re-season the cookware).

2.     Rinse and dry completely.

3.     Apply a very thin, even coating of cooking oil to the cookware inside and out. Too much oil will result in a sticky finish.

4.     Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven (not directly on bottom) to catch any drips.

5.     Set oven temperature to 350 – 400 degrees F.

6.     Place cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven to prevent pooling.

7.     Bake the cookware for at least one hour. After the hour, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.

8.     Store the cookware uncovered, in a dry place when cooled. Like the troop garage

CHECK OUT THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO WITH MORE TIPS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg6S6vWyPH8